West Indies to host 2018 ICC Women's World T20
What's the story
The Caribbean is all set to host the 2018 edition of the Women's World T20. The ICC has announced that the tournament will be hosted in Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana and St Lucia from November 9-24. The West Indies are the defending champions and will look to keep hold of the title, they won in 2016. Here's all about the 2018 Women's World T20.
Caribbean flavour
Venues confirmed for ICC Women's World T20
The West Indies Cricket Board selected the three venues through a bidding process and they have now been approved by the International Cricket Council. The first few matches of the tournament will take place at the Guyana National Stadium and Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia, whereas Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua and Barbuda will host the two semi-finals and the final.
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Windies to defend title on home soil
"We are delighted to have Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana and St Lucia on board as hosts for the ICC Women's World Twenty20 later this year" ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said.
10 teams, 1 title
Standalone event to be played in November
Hosts, West Indies will compete with the likes of Australia, world champions England, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka. All these teams have already qualified for the prestigious tournament. The likes of Ireland and Scotland are eyeing the remaining two qualifying spots, which they can claim through a qualifying tournament in July.
Qualifiers in July
First ever standalone Women's World T20
For the first time, the Women's World T20 will be a standalone event after being played alongside the men's tournament for the past 6 editions. Bangladesh, Holland, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand, Uganda and United Arab Emirates, all will compete in the ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier in the Netherlands from 3-14 of July.